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A review by chava_reads
Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Summary
Frances is obsessed, absolutely obsessed, with an anonymous podcast called Universe City. Her life and her love for the show get a lot more complicated when she discovers and befriends the Creator.
Writing
I like it! I know I've had mediocre things to say about Oseman's writing in Heartstopper, but I'm please to report good things for Radio Silence. I think her style and the stories she tells is better suited for a medium that allows (even requires) a bit more depth. Her writing in Radio Silence is witty, emotional, and -- above all else -- very real.
This book pulls you in and drags you along for the ride. I loved it a lot. It was very easy to get lost in this world. It was one of those stories that leaves you feeling a little bit empty when you finish it. In a good way.
It's nothing monumental, but it doesn't have to be monumental to be great!
Characters
What really hooked me about this story is that it's so centered on the people around the main character rather than just the protagonist herself. Each character has so much depth. They felt like real people who existed beyond the book and beyond Frances's view of them. It's amazing that Oseman fit so much depth and growth into one story. Really, this is what a coming of age novel should be.
Aled especially had my heart. I found him very relatable and interesting. Especially seeing him through Frances's eyes, I found myself getting really attached to him. He's one of those rare characters who I truly wish I could know. He reminded me very much of a friend of mine, which may have influenced my feelings on him.
Frances reminded me a lot of myself. That's all I'll say, I think. She's a very interesting character, but I wouldn't say she's the primary focus of the novel. It's about a bigger picture. That makes no sense but whatever.
Plot
This plot! It had just the right blend of intrigue, personal drama, and struggles with fame. I found it very realistic as someone who's sorta been in that world — both as Frances and Aled. It's a very unique concept and Oseman truly did something magical with it.
It's amazing to read a story about two best friends who don't fall in love. Truly just so lovely. And I love that the book was very upfront about that not being the direction it was going in. The queer representation was lovely and I enjoyed the romantic subplot that was included. It didn't distract too much from the focal point of the story: Aled and Frances.
There's a reason Alice Oseman is so universally recognized as one of the best queer fiction writers of this generation. Truly authentic. It's rare that I read about queer characters and actually feel represented, but that's exactly what Oseman brings to the table.
Final Thoughts
I have a feeling this book has a long-term spot on my favorite books list. Really the sort of book that I just want to immerse myself in forever. It's certainly worth a read — and probably quite a few re-reads as well.
Frances is obsessed, absolutely obsessed, with an anonymous podcast called Universe City. Her life and her love for the show get a lot more complicated when she discovers and befriends the Creator.
Writing
I like it! I know I've had mediocre things to say about Oseman's writing in Heartstopper, but I'm please to report good things for Radio Silence. I think her style and the stories she tells is better suited for a medium that allows (even requires) a bit more depth. Her writing in Radio Silence is witty, emotional, and -- above all else -- very real.
This book pulls you in and drags you along for the ride. I loved it a lot. It was very easy to get lost in this world. It was one of those stories that leaves you feeling a little bit empty when you finish it. In a good way.
It's nothing monumental, but it doesn't have to be monumental to be great!
Characters
What really hooked me about this story is that it's so centered on the people around the main character rather than just the protagonist herself. Each character has so much depth. They felt like real people who existed beyond the book and beyond Frances's view of them. It's amazing that Oseman fit so much depth and growth into one story. Really, this is what a coming of age novel should be.
Aled especially had my heart. I found him very relatable and interesting. Especially seeing him through Frances's eyes, I found myself getting really attached to him. He's one of those rare characters who I truly wish I could know. He reminded me very much of a friend of mine, which may have influenced my feelings on him.
Frances reminded me a lot of myself. That's all I'll say, I think. She's a very interesting character, but I wouldn't say she's the primary focus of the novel. It's about a bigger picture. That makes no sense but whatever.
Plot
This plot! It had just the right blend of intrigue, personal drama, and struggles with fame. I found it very realistic as someone who's sorta been in that world — both as Frances and Aled. It's a very unique concept and Oseman truly did something magical with it.
It's amazing to read a story about two best friends who don't fall in love. Truly just so lovely. And I love that the book was very upfront about that not being the direction it was going in. The queer representation was lovely and I enjoyed the romantic subplot that was included. It didn't distract too much from the focal point of the story: Aled and Frances.
There's a reason Alice Oseman is so universally recognized as one of the best queer fiction writers of this generation. Truly authentic. It's rare that I read about queer characters and actually feel represented, but that's exactly what Oseman brings to the table.
Final Thoughts
I have a feeling this book has a long-term spot on my favorite books list. Really the sort of book that I just want to immerse myself in forever. It's certainly worth a read — and probably quite a few re-reads as well.